"...Today, the international community must maintain the same sense of resolve and shared responsibility. We know from experience that winning a war is no guarantee of winning the peace that follows. That is why even as we sought to protect civilians and pressured Qadhafi to step down, we have supported the Libyans as they laid the groundwork for a transition to democracy that is just, inclusive, and sustainable. What happens in the coming days will be critical, and the international community has to help the Libyan people get it right."

In other news, both the United States and the African Union announced increases in humanitarian assistance to East Africa. In total, the United States is now providing more than $600 million in aid that is helping more than 4.6 million people suffering from drought and famine in the Horn of Africa.

Meanwhile, as violence escalated in the Blue Nile State of Sudan, the United States called on the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the forces of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/ Army-North (SPLM/A-M) to cease hostilities and for the SAF to end aerial bombings.

Also in Washington last week, India's Deputy Inspector General Seema Dhundia -- commander of the first-ever, all-female formed police unit (FPU) to a UN mission -- visited the Department of State, where she discussed the participation of women in international peacekeeping missions. India deployed the all-female FPU to the UN Mission in Liberia in 2007 and continues to send the all-female units to support the local Liberia National Police.

Reflecting on 25 years as a U.S. diplomat, Senior Foreign Service Officer Terrence Williamson described helping to coordinate an evacuation of U.S. citizens from Liberia during the 1990s. Mr. Williamson wrote, "Looking back, I have had a rewarding career. I knew that when U.S. citizens needed their government in a crisis, my colleagues and I could help. ...But without an adequately funded State Department budget, our embassies and missions could struggle to perform the central and elementary tasks: protecting Americans, implementing programs that eradicate illness, hunger, and economic deprivation, and opening new markets to American businesses."

"...The State Department and USAID make up about one percent of the federal budget. Deep and disproportionate cuts in the State and USAID won't do anything or make any sense, if our goal is to enhance our national security.

"We know that resources are necessary to advance our national security interests and prosperity around the world, and we are at risk of not getting them. This is no time to retreat from the world, because as everyone knows, it is a critical moment in our foreign policy. We have a chance to capitalize on opportunities in the Middle East and to be part of an historic pivot point in the Arab world. We have the chance to invest in programs to curb and even prevent humanitarian crises. We need the resources to sustain our diplomatic presence and effectiveness..."

The United States also has a significant "stake in the prosperity and stability of Asia and the Pacific," as underscored by Vice President Joseph Biden's travel to China, Mongolia, and Japan. Vice President Biden said, "...America's focus on this critical region will only grow in the years to come as Asia plays an even greater role in the global economy and international affairs."

Earlier in the week, on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama sent greetings to Muslim communities in the United States and around the world. President Obama said:

"...Ramadan has been a time for families and communities to share the happiness of coming together in intense devotion, reflection, and service. Millions all over the world have been inspired to honor their faith by reaching out to those less fortunate. This year, many have observed the month while courageously persevering in their efforts to secure basic necessities and fundamental freedoms. The United States will continue to stand with them and for the dignity and rights of all people, whether a hungry child in the Horn of Africa or a young person demanding freedom in the Middle East and North Africa."

On behalf of everyone here at DipNote, I thank our readers for their comments and feedback, and wish all who are celebrating Labor Day a safe and restful holiday.

Comments

Comments

Hyun C.

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South Korea

September 7, 2011

Hyun Shik C. in South Korea writes:

The region of Northeast Asia is will play a important role in the near future. GDP of China plus Japan has equal of US. The state have to keep working on the problems of this region and take allies for getting more involvement in global affairs such as aid and peace.

James

September 7, 2011

James writes:

Where is PM David Cameron. He should be in that picture. His forces are in the fight also. I think he has more soldiers in the fight than the French.

effect27

September 7, 2011

W.W. writes:

Is Berlusconi taking that picture? where is he?

very good Pres. Obama law suing banks as per agreement in Canada G8 2010.

The guy drinking orange juice over there may be a great European leader after a while.

Now focus on assad and Iranian nuclear issue forgotten due the libyan sopranos quaddafi family cease

Can we move on now in jailing current financial criminal by working for the right side of history?

Can we all work for the right side of future?

do we have the same vision?

We must help Islam to evolve then we must understand that Israel is building and other are destroying in the area.

We all must understand that a great flottillia protest was to organize a sporty event as such as the american cup in front of Gaza not trying to break the Israeli clock without cooperating with isreali authorities.

Are we Humans or are we dancers?

The Killers were wondering

Maureen

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Massachusetts, USA

September 7, 2011

Maureen in Massachusetts writes:

Secretary Clinton/Paris:

It is a pleasure to see Secretary Clinton en face de President Sarkozy. There have been few comments on the special role that France has undertaken recently with regard to Libya. Franco/American alliances seem to be strengthening despite the challenges both countries face individually.